U.S.-Japanese tensions intensify after sub collision

The already tense relationship between the U.S. and Japan escalated Friday when the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Greenville accidently collided with and sunk the Ehime Maruand, a Japanese fishing boat carrying high school students off the coast of Hawaii. The collision killed nine of the boat's 35 passengers. The crew of the sub, which was practicing an "emergency blow," or rapid surface ascent according to military officials, is being investigated but had apparently followed all safety precautions prior to the test. On Monday President George W. Bush apologized for the collision, asking for "prayers for those still missing after the tragic accident," according to BBC news sources. Friday's accident comes as Japanese resentment of the U.S. military has intensified following controversy over an offensive email by the chief of U.S. military operations in Okinawa, Japan, who called his hosts "nuts" and "wimps." It also follows less than six months after a top naval officer called for a "safety stand-down" and navagational procedure review in light of six major ship collisions in the prior 12 months.

Washington, D.C.

Greenspan: Expect economy to remain sluggish in 2001

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan told the Senate Banking Committee yesterday that the U.S. economy was unlikely to break from its recent trend of slow growth and growing unemployment; however, he qualified that by saying that the "foundation for long-term prosperity was solid and that the country was not in a recession," according to The New York Times. Even after the Fed's aggressive one percent cut to short-term interest rates during January, Greenspan's remarks signal a willingness for the central bank to further roll back the interest rate increases it made last year. The Fed will most likely wait until its next scheduled meeting on Mar. 20 until it makes such cuts, much to the disappointment of many investors who would prefer an earlier cut. Greenspan also commented that the Fed projected the 2001 inflation rate to come in between 1.75 and 2.25 percent, below the 2.5 percent seen last year. He also predicted that unemployment would likley jump to 4.5 percent by year end from 4.2 percent in January-still comparatively low with respect to history and other western nations.

Boston, Massachusetts

Rep. Moakley retires after diagnosis of leukemia

Massachussets Congressman Joseph Moakley (D-Boston) announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. At 73, he will be unable to seek a 16th term because of the illness. Moakley, a native of South Boston, has "high-grade myelodysplastic syndrome that shows evidence of evolving into erythroleukemia," according to a letter he released from his doctor, Brian P. Monahan. Monahan wrote, "The condition is not reversible, and we do not have a means to cure it." Though Moakley has not released his potential life expectancy, there are reports that the expectancy is in terms of months, not years. Moakley made his announcement in a South Boston federal courthouse. His accomplishments include securing funding for the Big Dig and cleanup of the Boston harbor. Moakley is recognized for his personal approach to politics, and his announcement on Monday was made to a tearful crowd. However, Moakley approached the situation in an upbeat manner, commenting on his accomplishments and his dedication to his constituents, according to The Boston Globe.